Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to Deliver Keynote Address on December 12

SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College will host its Winter Commencement on December 12 at 10 a.m., featuring Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, renowned professor, author, preacher, and public intellectual, as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Dyson, who holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton University, has taught at prestigious institutions including Columbia, Brown, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Georgetown. He currently serves as Distinguished University Professor and NEH Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University.

Recognized as one of America’s most influential public thinkers, Dr. Dyson’s work bridges scholarship, culture, and social justice. He has authored more than 25 books, seven of which are New York Times bestsellers, exploring themes of Black excellence, resilience, and struggle. His literary achievements have earned him honors such as the Langston Hughes Medal, NAACP Image Awards, and the American Book Award.

A respected media commentator, Dr. Dyson regularly appears on platforms such as NPR and MSNBC and has contributed to The New York Times and the Chicago Sun-Times. He has also been featured on programs including “Meet the Press,” “Real Time with Bill Maher,” “Black-ish,” and “Soul Food.”

Feminist writer Naomi Wolf describes Dr. Dyson as “the ideal public intellectual of our times.” Whether analyzing race and democracy or delivering lectures and sermons, Dr. Dyson is recognized for his insightful commentary and poetic delivery, mapping the contours of Black life with passion and clarity.

Dr. Anthony J. Davis, President & CEO of Livingstone College, who recently underwent a successful kidney transplant, is recovering at home and plans to return to campus during the spring semester.

“Even though I can’t be there in person to congratulate our December graduating class,” said Dr. Davis, “I know that Dr. Dyson’s message will give our graduates words of resilience as they embark on their next chapter.”

The Winter Commencement ceremony will take place in Varick Auditorium on the college’s campus. For more information, please contact the Livingstone College Office of Communications.